CRAIG LEVEIN is ready to rip apart his under-performing Hearts squad this summer in a bid to turn them into a major force again.

Hearts manager Craig Levein looks set for a transfer splurge this summer

Express Sport can reveal the Jambos are looking to sign at least nine players.

The club’s head of recruitment John Murray has circulated a list around agents and trusted player sources as to what positions the club want to fill. Hearts are looking for two goalkeepers, left-back, a centre-half, defensive and offensive central midfielders, two strikers and a winger.

The club are looking for free agents, loan options or players who have been transfer-listed and are available for a nominal fee. It points to a number of the existing squad heading for the exit door.

Newly called-up Scotland keeper Jon McLaughlin looks unlikely to sign an extension despite holding talks, while the contracts of Aaron Hughes and Prince Buaben are not expected to be renewed.

Hearts also have a number of loan players, including Stevie Naismith, Joaquim Adao, Connor Randall, David Milinkovic and Demi Mitchell, all expected to return to their parent clubs at the end of May.